WISCONSIN — Five Wisconsin teachers are up for a national award. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) announced the following five teachers were finalists for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)

  • DPI said this award is “the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government for math and science teachers”

  • The award is given to teachers who have deep knowledge of the respective subjects they teach. The finalists and awardee is also a teacher who focuses on “facilitating and encouraging success among students in those areas”

  • One winner from the mathematics category and one winner from the science category will each receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation. Additionally, they will each receive professional development opportunities and be honored at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) announced the following five teachers were finalists for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST):

  • Science finalist: Jamie Lauer, Hartford Union High School/Hartford Union High School District, chemistry and biology teacher
  • Science finalist: Jessica North, Waunakee Middle School/Waunakee Community School District, eighth-grade teacher
  • Mathematics finalist: Stacy Lesmeister, Cedarburg High School/Cedarburg School District, high school teacher
  • Mathematics finalist: Kelsey Rider, Solon Springs School District, eighth-grade teacher
  • Mathematics finalist: Erin Treder, Belleville Middle and High School/School District of Belleville, eighth-grade teacher

DPI said this award is “the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government for math and science teachers.”

“These teachers exemplify the heart and soul of exceptional teaching,” State Superintendent Jill Underly said. “Their dedication, innovative approaches and commitment to connecting with their students not only inspires a love of learning but also paves the way for future success in mathematics and science. I am incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact they have on the lives of students.”

The award is given to teachers who have deep knowledge of the respective subjects they teach. The finalists and awardee is also a teacher who focuses on “facilitating and encouraging success among students in those areas.”

One winner from the mathematics category and one winner from the science category will each receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation. Additionally, they will each receive professional development opportunities and be honored at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C.

PAEMST has been presented annually since 1983 to K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teachers around the U.S. 

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Aly Prouty - Digital Media Producer

Aly Prouty is a digital producer for Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin, Ohio and Kentucky. An award-winning, multimedia journalist, she holds an honors B.A. in journalism from Marquette University and an M.A. in journalism and media studies from The University of Alabama.